KARACHI: Trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has more than doubled in the last few years to $400 but potential exists to increase it further.

This was stated by Sri Lankan Consul General D W Jinadasa at a reception hosted by Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Forum President Tarek Moinuddin Khan in honour of 18-member delegation visiting Karachi to participate in the 7th Expo Pakistan Exhibition.

Jinadasa said Sri Lanka was a growing market with great potential and invited Pakistani businessmen to explore the opportunities presented by Sri Lanka. He added the Sri Lankan people had great regard for Pakistanis and considered them close friends. The Sri Lankan diplomat said of late there had been renewed interest shown by Pakistani businessmen in tourism industry and real estate development.

President Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Forum Tarek Moinuddin Khan welcomed the Sri Lankan delegation and said much more can be done to reflect the close relations between the two countries. He added that trade relations between both countries would continue to improve.

Leader of the Sri Lankan delegation Rohitha Thilakaratne said he was happy to be in Pakistan once again, and the 18 members of his delegation were here to promote bilateral trade besides developing economic and social links. Thilakaratne said the delegation was showcasing food, spices, coconut products besides industrial material and rubber tyres. He said more than 25 Pakistani companies were operating in Sri Lanka.